Well Driller Licensing Requirements and Eligibility
Domain 1 covers the legal authority to drill a well in Ohio and the qualifications an applicant must document. The exam tests licensing statutes and rules, not drilling mechanics.
Who may drill
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1521 requires a license from the Chief of the ODNR Division of Water Resources (DWR) before a person engages in well drilling. Local health districts issue permits for private water systems, but a local permit does not substitute for the state driller license.
Eligibility file
- Be at least 18 and submit a complete DWR application with fee.
- Document supervised experience under a licensed driller; the required duration depends on the license class and must be verifiable.
- Pass the DWR written examination covering construction, grouting, abandonment, law, and reporting.
- Provide the required financial assurance/bond and disclose any enforcement history.
- Maintain continuing education and renew before expiration; notify DWR of address or employment changes.
Worked example
An applicant has drilled for one year as a helper and holds a local contractor's license. That is not enough: the local license is irrelevant to state well-driller licensure, and one year may not satisfy the supervised-experience requirement. The applicant must accumulate documented experience under a licensed driller, apply to DWR, and pass the examination.
Traps
Do not assume that a pump-installer credential authorizes drilling; the license classes are separate. Do not let a license lapse while still drilling, and do not count undocumented on-the-job time.